AC Milan Make Late Federico Gatti Approach As West Ham Also Circle
Federico Gatti has struggled for regular starts amid injuries this term.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 02 February 2026
Federico Gatti of Juventus has emerged as a late January transfer target for AC Milan and England’s West Ham.
Italian soccer expert Nicolo Schira says Milan and West Ham showed interest in the Italian centre-back over the last 72 hours.
The transfer insider’s report claims both clubs asked for a loan, with an option to buy in the summer.
However, Schira also reported that Juventus have turned down both requests, because they plan to keep the defender.
Federico Gatti and why Juventus are saying no to AC Milan and West Ham
Federico Gatti has become an important option at the back for Juventus.
They value him for his aggression, aerial strength, and willingness to defend on the front foot.
Gatti suits the intensity of Serie A, where defending space quickly is often more important than aesthetics.
Indeed, Gatti extended his Juve contract just nine months ago, showing how much the Bianconeri value him.
Admittedly, the 27-year-old has not been a regular starter for Luciano Spalletti this season.
🚨 Excl. – In the last 72 hours #ACMilan and #WestHam have shown interest in Federico #Gatti for a loan with the option to buy, but #Juventus have turned down both requests. #transfers
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) February 2, 2026
However, part of this is because he suffered a meniscus injury that ruled him out in December and part of January.
Juventus’ stance suggests that they don’t want to weaken their defence, especially with a busy schedule and the constant risk of injuries.
Reports earlier in the season said Milan had already made contact with his representatives to discuss a possible move.
Now, Juventus appear to have repeated their message, namely that Gatti is not available on the terms being offered.
What Milan and West Ham could do next in Gatti pursuit
Federico Gatti leaving on loan with an option to buy would be low risk for Milan and West Ham.
However, Juventus would not get much out of it, particularly considering they rate Gatti highly.
Juventus would take on the risk of losing a regular defender, while the buying club keeps control over the final decision.
Milan like Gatti as he has extensive experience in Italian soccer and could add depth across a long season.
For West Ham, it would be a way to add a strong, no-nonsense defender with potential Premier League qualities.
The big question is whether either club returns with a different proposal, such as a straight purchase or a higher fee.
For now, the report suggests Juventus are not interested in negotiating a late deal.
In other news, Juventus have signed Jeremie Boga on an initial loan deal from Nice.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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